What is a terrier breed?
Terriers were historically developed for jobs such as vermin control, earth work, guarding or all-round farm companionship. Many still have bold, energetic personalities.
Terrier breed guides
Terrier Breeds: Complete Guide
Terrier breeds were developed for determination, courage and independent work, often controlling vermin or going to ground. Modern terriers range from small companion-sized dogs to larger athletic breeds, but many still share confidence, quick reactions, prey drive and a strong sense of character. Some are lively and intense, while others are steadier, low-set or more companionable. Owners usually need to think about secure gardens, recall, barking, digging, grooming and mental stimulation. Terrier coats vary from smooth to wiry, curly or long, and health themes can include eyes, knees, skin, dental disease, spinal strain or joint conditions depending on breed shape. This index links to every terrier breed guide and highlights practical pet insurance points for UK owners.
Browse terrier breeds
Airedale Terrier
The largest terrier breed, known for confidence, intelligence, wiry coat care and active working character.
View Airedale Terrier guide
Australian Terrier
A small rough-coated terrier with bold character, alert behaviour and compact working-dog energy.
View Australian Terrier guide
Bedlington Terrier
A distinctive curly-coated terrier with a softer look, real speed and important liver-health themes.
View Bedlington Terrier guide
Border Terrier
A tough and friendly small terrier with wiry coat care, strong prey drive and countryside stamina.
View Border Terrier guide
Bull Terrier
A muscular, characterful terrier known for its distinctive head shape, strength and playful personality.
View Bull Terrier guide
Bull Terrier (Miniature)
A smaller Bull Terrier variety with the same bold character, energy and strong personality in a compact body.
View Bull Terrier (Miniature) guide
Cairn Terrier
A hardy small terrier with a weather-resistant coat, alert nature and classic digging instincts.
View Cairn Terrier guide
Cesky Terrier
A lower-set coated terrier with a calmer style than many terriers and regular grooming needs.
View Cesky Terrier guide
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
A long-bodied terrier with a distinctive topknot, independent nature and mobility considerations.
View Dandie Dinmont Terrier guide
Fox Terrier (Smooth)
A lively, sharp and athletic terrier with a short coat and strong hunting instincts.
View Fox Terrier (Smooth) guide
Fox Terrier (Wire)
A spirited wiry-coated terrier needing grooming, training and secure management around wildlife.
View Fox Terrier (Wire) guide
Glen of Imaal Terrier
A sturdy Irish terrier with a low body, strong build and calmer but determined working character.
View Glen of Imaal Terrier guide
Irish Terrier
A bold red terrier known for loyalty, energy, wiry coat care and confident personality.
View Irish Terrier guide
Jack Russell Terrier
A small, highly energetic terrier with strong prey drive, intelligence and serious exercise needs.
View Jack Russell Terrier guide
Kerry Blue Terrier
A blue-coated Irish terrier with intelligence, strength and significant grooming requirements.
View Kerry Blue Terrier guide
Lakeland Terrier
A compact wiry terrier with confidence, energy and strong working instincts.
View Lakeland Terrier guide
Manchester Terrier
A sleek, alert terrier with speed, intelligence and a strong instinct for chasing movement.
View Manchester Terrier guide
Norfolk Terrier
A small drop-eared terrier with a cheerful nature, rough coat and active personality.
View Norfolk Terrier guide
Norwich Terrier
A compact prick-eared terrier with lively confidence, coat care needs and plenty of character.
View Norwich Terrier guide
Parson Russell Terrier
A leggy, energetic working terrier with stamina, prey drive and high training needs.
View Parson Russell Terrier guide
Scottish Terrier
A sturdy, independent terrier with a distinctive outline, wiry coat and strong personality.
View Scottish Terrier guide
Sealyham Terrier
A low-set Welsh terrier breed with a distinctive coat, confident temperament and grooming needs.
View Sealyham Terrier guide
Skye Terrier
A long-bodied terrier with a dramatic coat, loyal nature and mobility considerations.
View Skye Terrier guide
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
A soft-coated Irish terrier with cheerful character, grooming needs and skin or digestive themes.
View Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier guideTerrier guide questions
Common questions about terrier breeds and insurance-aware breed research.
Are terriers good family dogs?
Many terriers are affectionate family companions, but they usually need training, secure management, exercise and realistic expectations around barking or prey drive.
What insurance points matter for terriers?
Policy wording may include terms around skin treatment, dental care, knees, eyes, allergies, inherited conditions and ongoing medication.
Are these guides financial advice?
No. These guides provide general information and education. They do not recommend an insurer, policy or level of cover.